Angul: The industrially rich Angul district is also endowed with environment and cultural tourism. But for several reasons, this sector has not been able to develop as expected due to the apathy of the administration. It was alleged that the administration has failed to cash in on it. The COVID-19 difficulties have also dealt a setback to the footfalls at various tourist destinations.
However, the district administration has now planned to boost the sector in a major way. It is in the process of preparing a master plan to fully explore the tourism sector.
As tourist season sets in, the administration is on its toes to set things right to infuse life into the now-dormant sector. The hospitality and travel sectors dependent on tourism is equally hit, a report said.
The report said Satkosia is a key tourist destination in the district. But the pandemic has dealt a blow to the site as the footfalls have come down. Apart from Satkosia wildlife, water reservoirs like Rengali and Derjeng are good tourist draws in the district.
On the other hand, there are several scenic spots in the district, which have not yet come to the limelight for lack of infrastructure development. The district known as a treasure trove of natural bounties has much more potential in the sector.
The scenic beauty of Deulajhari in Athmalick is potential enough to attract tourists.
Other spots like Jagannath temple at Purunagarh, Maa Ramchandi Peetha at Koshala, Narayan sevashram at Kukudanga, Bhinkunda at Kaniha hold much importance for the tourism sector. The dense forest and Khuludi waterfall of Palahara charm tourists throughout the year.
The state government has recognized 13 tourist spots in the district. Besides, a number of other scenic places are there in the district up till now hidden from tourists as basic infrastructure has not been developed till date.
Experts observed that the district could make full use of its tourism potential it the tourist spots get government recognition and infrastructure development in the communication sector is developed. Despite the government’s claim to make the tourism sector a priority, the tourism industry is yet to be fully utilized in the district, they said.
The existing natural environment in many parts of the district is more conducive to tourism, but there are several factors that put the brakes on the development of this industry.
However, Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has come forward to boost the sector. Soon after joining, the Collector has toured various subdivisions and blocks, exploring the tourism potential of the unexplored spots.
He has directed the officials to draw up a master plan for development of tourism.
He has even formed a team to identify potential tourism spots. The team will make a list of these spots in each block and point out the scope of tourism. He directed the officials to submit the list within a month and prepare a blueprint thereof, it was stated by the administration.
PNN